From the Movies

These days, the magic of the movies doesn’t have to end when you come home from the theater. More and more family films, like Happy Feet Two and Puss In Boots, are getting their own video games too. Check out some of our favorite holiday picks below.

The Harry Potter film series may have ended this summer with the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly: Part 2, but fans can keep the magic alive with this enchanting video game sequel. Naturally, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 5-7 picks up where Years 1-4 leaves off. Harry and his Hogwarts pals face more danger than ever before with the return of Lord Voldemort and his loyal Death Eaters. Help the famous boy wizard and his friends win the good fight by solving puzzles, learning new charms and spells and perfecting your dueling skills throughout six adventure-filled stages.

Potter fans will enjoy exploring new ground outside of Hogwarts castle, such as the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmeade and the Ministry of Magic. You can also unlock more than 80 new characters, including baddies like Bellatrix Lestrange and potions professor Horace Slughorn.

Overall, as with all LEGO gaming titles, players will be able to count on a few things with Years 5-7: lots of quirky humor, plenty of hidden secrets to uncover, and most of all, loads of fun. Co-op play lets friends and family members join in on the action, too. So, whip out your wand and make some magic! —VA

Puss In Boots

COURTESY THQ, INC.

Blitz Games, THQ, Inc.

Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3

Rated E10+

Step into the boots of the famous swashbuckling feline with this action-packed game, starring Puss himself. Based on the successful DreamWorks film, Puss In Boots, the video game, trains players to be the legendary quick-pawed hero himself. In addition to learning to duel, you’ll take away many useful cat skills on your journey up the magical Beanstalk to capture the Golden Goose. By the end of it, you’ll be a master at scratching your way out of trouble, sneaking by enemies undetected and performing high-flying acrobatics.

The Kinect for Xbox 360 version is especially purr-fect for getting players off the couch and pouncing. Who says you can’t teach a cat tricks? —VA

The Adventures of Tintin: The Game

COURTESY UBISOFT

Ubisoft

Nintendo Wii, Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation Move and PC

Rated E10+

Prepare to jump into the adventure as plucky young reporter Tintin with this action-packed video game. Inspired by the upcoming 3-D movie, the story follows Tintin as he tries to uncover the secret of the Unicorn, a model ship that holds a big mystery. You can play as Tintin, his seafaring friend Captain Haddock, or even as his loyal pup, Snowy, as well as three other unlockable characters. Each character has a set of unique skills, so be sure to choose the right one as you travel the globe solving puzzles, collecting treasures and unlocking maps.

Friends and family members can also join the fun with co-op mode. Do you have what it takes to solve the Unicorn’s mystery? —VA

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

COURTESY MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT

Behaviour Interactive, Majesco Entertainment

Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS, Kinect for Xbox 360

Rated E10+

Everyone’s favorite singing Chipmunks are hitting the big screen this holiday season. Now you can bring the music of the ‘munks into your living room too. The best part: You can join them! The game lets players experience what it’s like to perform onstage as the famous singing trio and their playful gal pals, The Chipettes. Entertain the crowds—and earn points for your Munk Power meter—by dancing along to 30 classic Chipmunk hits, including fan favorites “The Chipmunk Song” and “We’re the Chipmunks.” The more points you earn, the more fun gear you can “purchase” for your customizable character. It’s time to get the party started! —VA

Happy Feet Two: The Videogame

COURTESY WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment

Platforms: Nintendo Wii, Xbox 260, PlayStation 3, Nintendo DS/3DS

Rated E

Put on your virtual tap shoes, and get happy. In Happy Feet Two: The Videogame ($49.99 for Wii, Xbox and PS3, $39.99 for 3DS, $29.99 for DS), you play as Mumble and his best friend Ramon as they dance, slide and race their way around Antarctica to save their trapped penguin friends. Tap on your game controller to the beat of the music to dance. Use this to defeat enemies and add more penguins to your group as you go. Be sure to collect the required number of penguins before you advance to the next level! The game features original music by Grammy Award-winner Ozomatli. You can even experience the game in 3-D in the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo 3DS versions. Brrring it on! —KP